Fri Nov 22 16:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine’s Ex-Commander-in-Chief Declares World War III Has Begun
**London, UK** – Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief, Valery Zaluzhny, has declared that World War III has begun, citing the involvement of Russia’s allies in the conflict. In a speech at the Ukrainska Pravda’s UP100 award ceremony, Zaluzhny, now Ukraine’s envoy to the UK, stated that Ukraine is no longer solely facing Russia, but also soldiers from North Korea and Iranian weaponry. He highlighted the open use of Iranian Shahed drones in attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
Zaluzhny warned that North Korean and Chinese weapons are entering the conflict, urging Ukraine’s allies to recognize the escalating situation. He believes that while Ukraine can survive with technological assistance, victory is uncertain without greater allied support, emphasizing that the conflict can still be contained within Ukraine’s borders. He expressed concern that allies are not fully grasping the severity of the situation and the expanding number of adversaries facing Ukraine.
Zaluzhny’s statement reflects his consistently pessimistic assessment of the war, which previously led to friction with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last year, an essay in *The Economist* comparing the war to a World War I-style stalemate reportedly angered Zelenskyy. This, along with Zaluzhny’s rising popularity, contributed to his dismissal from his military command in February. While initially credited with repelling Russia’s initial invasion, the setbacks of last year’s counteroffensive ultimately led to his replacement by General Oleksandr Syrskyi.
First Piper 